I moved from Illinois to Alabama last May, and now have a permit to carry concealed. I have a 625 in .45acp with a 4" barrel, and need some advice as to how any of you with a similar N frame carry yours. is IWB carry possible with this large of a wheel gun? Warm weather down here from June-September makes this even more difficult. Any help/suggestions would really be appreciated. I have an SP101 3" also, but I really like the .45.

It is really an individual matter that you have to decide, but let's just say that carrying am N frame in warm weather is "challenging," and requires dedication and careful choice of wardrobe.

Personally, I would carry the 3" in an IWB in hot weather. I prefer having a stout belt and OWB holster for a 625. YMMV.

SOTB, welcome to free America and the forum.

I carry a 5" full underlug N frame year round. OKFC05 is right, if you're not a die hard carrier you won't do it. However, don't be intimidated. It is something that can be done with the right set up. You will need a herky gun belt. I use a 1 3/4" dual layer bullhide belt from www.thebeltman.net . If you skimp on the belt you will regret it. Carrying a three poundish gun requires that gun, belt, holster, and pants must work in perfect harmony.

For holsters, I use a FIST canted, clip on, kydex/leather hybrid IWB holster (model 1A, I think). Some of my jeans have a belt loop that sits at 3:30, and that's where I carry. In that case I use a Milt Sparks VM-II. Our forum member www.lobogunleather.com offers high quality holsters of similar design, for less money and IIRC a much shorter wait.

Once you've created the system, you will probably find that the more you carry it, the more comfortable it becomes due to familiarity. Also, I may be far to the north in Michigan, but I've carried in 100 degree weather and carried far more weight and equipment in the heat and humidity of Ft. Benning, Georgia as a younger man, so I know what you're up against. It can be done. Best of luck.

It looks like I've got to work on getting the right carry gear to succeed in carrying my 625. I've tried different belts with a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake for the SP101, and up till now I've been experimenting with cheap, Wally World belts of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches. The wider belt definitely makes a difference, and I think a 1-3/4" one would be even better. But my Wrangler jeans belt loops barely handle the 1-1/2". I want to conceal carry to the best of my 61yo ability, and I'll check out FIST, Milt Sparks, and Lobo Gunleather. Flop-shank, thanks for the welcome...I'm really happy down here with the huge difference in political attitudes towards civilian gun-ownership and 2nd amendment rights. OKFC05, thanks also for your suggestions about the importance of belt selection. I was thinking of having a local smith lop off an inch of my 625's barrel, but I'm going to try to keep it as is and work with better carry-gear. In the cooler weather we have now, I can wear another layer of shirt/jacket, so OWB will be much easier. Thanks again, and have a great day.

I highly recommend lobo gunleather. I car a model 22 in his IWB holster no problem. I was able to conceal it with just an untucked button down or a polo shirt. And untill recently I to lived in the south and know the pain of the southern summers.

I was surprised at how comfortably a 625 can be carried in the simply rugged holster with the IWB straps.

While I don't carry big revolvers often, I have done so many times, and it is not that hard. Flopshank is correct; you need to start with a thick, heavy belt. Thickness and stiffness are more important that width. I've gotten along fine with 1 1/2" belts, and often carry full-size 1911s IWB with a 1 1/4" belt. Another thing to consider in the belt is how far apart the holes are. You'll want belt tension to be "just right," and if the holes are closer together, fine-tuning is easier.

FWIW, I carried my first-run Mountain Gun every day, all day for a week several years ago, in a Sparks Summer Special, under an untucked shirt. To my knowledge, no one noticed, and it was quite comfortable. I still occasionally carry the same setup, if I get feeling wheely. I have a Sparks VM-II that also works very well with my 4" N-frames.

Thanks everyone for your help. 38-44HD45, I didn't know that the stiffness/thickness of the belt (more than the width alone) was an important factor in how well the carry set-up works. It seems like a number of you have carried larger sidearms successfully, and I'll keep using the good advice here in trying to put together a rig that works for me. As you can probably guess (coming from Illinois), carrying my guns is an entirely new experience to me. So exactly what is it that keeps the butt of the gun close in to the body so it doesn't print. When I went for a walk with my SP101 tucked IWB in the Simply Rugged Silver Dollar yesterday morning, I felt as though an alien was trying to break through my t-shirt. I was wearing it strong-side at about 3:30, and I thought I had the belt snug...but maybe I needed to tighten it up a little. Ok, a little personal info here...I'm 200#, 5'9", 43"waist (I'll blame it on back surgery last year). Is this something I need to work around, and if so how?

Bro, you're asking great questions. I doubt any of us can tell you if you need to work around your back issues. Every one of our bodies is different. You'll have to figure out what works for you. FWIW, I'm 5'7"/200 lbs. relatively well muscled, but under 40 years old. I doubt our builds are very dissimilar. My hunch is that you can pack that much gun, however, your back is the wildcard. I have a little bit of a spare tire, but not much. A canted holster, the right belt tension and having the belt riding just over the top of one's pelvis help keep the gun butt tucked into one's side. Remember IWB holsters generally hold the gun snuggly against you with the belt running over the middle of the gun, so sagging should be less of an issue than with an OWB holster.

Do not forget, most people have cranial rectitis (head stuck in very dark place). They will not notice that, which to you, seems glaring.

Closing thoughts: you were wise not to get your 625 cut. I doubt it would be any easier to carry and .45 ACP needs all the velocity it can get. A K, or L frame gun would be easier to carry if you find a big N frame too difficult. I sometimes carry a 4" nickel 586 and it's much easier to carry than my 5" 629. I do not feel underarmed with a 4" .357. .38-44 makes a good point about holes in the belt. More, closer together, are better.

I think I'm finally getting down to one of the biggest problems I'm facing with concealed carry...I'm still paranoid about gun-ownership in Illinois, and I've come down to Alabama with that baggage. You all have given me some great advice and ideas...all I have to do is keep trying to find the right combination that works for me.

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm gonna focus on IWB carry, and try not to focus too much on what I think is visible to others.

Not too many years ago I bought a model 66 with (I think) a 3" barrel. It had a hi-viz front sight, v-notch rear, and that really special K-frame feel to it. I've kicked myself quite a few times for selling that revolver, and especially now when I'm in a position to take advantage of its CCW qualities.

yep...i think you hit the nail on the head...the "newness" of concealed weapon carry....if per chance someone notices...so what?you have every right to carry it..although keeping it concealed from view is best...i to have a 625...the PC JM model...make yourself carry it..very soon you will get used to it...another belt to consider is made by the tactical company 501 they make a lot of pants and shirts...their belt is military/police style and is wide,reinforced and very stiff...excellent and designed for your purpose...i think mine was about fifty dollars...welcome to the forum!

Kennyb,
Thanks for your suggestions for a belt, and for your reminder to me that responsible concealed carry is our right, and not to feel awkward about carrying.

Does your PC JM 625 have the same wood JM grips that the regular 625JM does? I bought my 625 new with a 5"barrel a few years ago, and sent it back to Smith's customer service to install a 4" barrel...the only ones in stock were the ones with the JM gold bead front sight. So now I have my 625 with both the 4" JM barrel and the original 5", as well as the original stock Hogue rubber grips.

Also, I checked out belts made by 5.11 tactical or something like that... is that the company you referred to, or did I just stumble on a different site? I think that the reason I'm experiencing "falling waistband syndrome" with even my SP101 on my belt has to do with the cheap belt I've been using.

I'll take your advice about just strapping on the 625 (as soon as I get some gear for it), and wear it until I get used to it. It seems that a few people here are carrying larger revolvers and semi-autos, and not complaining much about how difficult it is.

I've been tempted to just pick up a Centennial or LCR and stuff it in a pocket, but I'd really like to carry the 625 with a few full-moon clip reloads.
Somehow, I (and probably my wife) fear that I'm gonna end up with more armament than an urban undercover cop before my new found concealed carry bug is put to rest!

I'd pick up that small gun too, bro. I always keep a second gun in the weakside front pocket. There's no faster reload than a New York reload and sometimes you can put your hands in your pockets casual-like with one of them right on a gun. The slowest part of the draw is aquiring the gun and pocket carry allows you to do so before you even have to draw. You'll have a gun available if your strong hand, or strongside gun is tied up, or damaged by gunfire.

flop-shank, I agree with the back-up idea...2 guns carried. There's a local gun show this weekend down here, and I'm gonna take a look around for a small .38+P (minimum) revolver. I'm sorry I bought the Sp101...it's just too heavy for pocket carry. Anybody here try the Smart Carry rig?

yep...5.11tactical...they make the belts and they certainly work...you can also google the belt man...many here on the forum swear by his leather belts...a cheap thin belt just does not cut it for a belt gun...you will find that the gun falls away from your side and will not stay up...my performance center has the 5.5"tube and both the rubber hogue grips as well as the wooden JM grips...cant say i blame ya for wanting to carry that one!

Don't be sorry you bought the Ruger! That's a great, very useable gun! I own one and once I get it set up, it will mostly replace my Taurus 605 2 1/4". They are very close in size and weight. The Ruger is better quality. With a bobbed hammer, the Ruger is a great appendix carry gun (although I intend to carry mine in a front pocket too, as I currently do the Taurus at times, YMMV). When working out in the yard, or any time you're bending over a lot, you'll find that a big N frame at 3:30 usually doesn't cut it. Put on a small hard hitting gun like the SP-101 and you'll have full size gun power if you can handle hot .357s from the thing. A straight deep drop IWB holster, such as Bell Charter Oak make will complete the set up.

I have a couple 625s. the holsters I use the most are the cheapest $29 and the most expensive I have ever bought. Sparks vmII.($165 by the time I shipped the gun for fitting) (never again)

__________________
Shoot fast & live long
Warren

Flop-shank, I haven't given up on the SP yet...mine has the 3-1/16" barrel, and I don't have a pocket deep enough to hide the grip (unless I take out the pocket bottom with a pair of scissors).

And roundgunner, your post is really one of contrasts...the 4" 625 along side the PC 2" (?), and the two price-contrasting holsters. I can see why the Sparks needed custom fitting...that slab-side short barrel looks really great, and the VM2 looks to be well worth the wait and the cost.

Thanks too for the pictures of how well the 4" can conceal, even with an inexpensive holster. I think I'd need to get jeans 2" larger than normal to make that work though.

Hi there, Son of the beach,

A 4" N frame takes a little work. Everyone's given good advice so far, but thought I'd throw my 2 cents (there's no cents symol on my keyboard...what's up with that???) in.

For IWB, the Galco Summer Comfort keeps most of the cylinder above your beltline, which would make it really comfortable. As an added bonus, with the butt up that high it would tend to print a lot less when moving around. I don't have one of these yet, but I'm looking for one.

For OWB, I like a good pancake holster, like a Simply Rugged.

Really comfortable and concealable for me with a cover garment.

Regarding warm weather carry, a tucked in t shirt with an unbuttoned untucked outer shirt works well. Hawaiian prints are really popular for this because the print camouflages any irregularities in shape from the gun butt, but any dark colored or printed/plaid shirt works well, too, even if it's lightweight cotton. If it's windy, you can button the buttons in the middle of the button row. I never button the bottom button just to add some space for the gun and to make the draw easier.

Hope this helps a little, and hope you enjoy the Alabama winter!

Charles, Thanks for your input. A lot of people seem to think very highly of the Galco Summer Comfort for IWB. I ordered a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar pancake for my SP101 3". I received the holster in less than a week, and it fits the Ruger perfectly.

Even though I ordered it with the "inside out"? belt loops for IWB carry, I think that this holster works better for me as an OWB...it's just more comfortable (probably my belly gettin' in the way of comfort again).

Either way, I need to get a good belt for both the 101, and my 625. I haven't decided on a holster for the 625 yet though. I think if I can get the SP101 to work on a decent belt, I'll be in a better position to decide on a holster for the 625.

Thanks again for your help.

I have carried a N frame S&W or a 1911 every day for the last 35 years or so...

EVERYDAY, except for a bear hunt in Canada, [no handguns allowed there, I carried a BIG KNIFE, Randall Model 14], and my last 2 Safaris to Zimbabwe, where I carried a Freedom Arms 475.

The best way I have found is a Milt Sparks Summer Special.

I buy my pants 2" bigger in the waist to make room for the handgun.

When I am fitted for a suit, I am "fitted" for it wearing the gun and the extra ammo.

With the Summer Special, the barrel of the gun is in your pants, and thus will not show by sticking out under you shirt, vest or jacket.

Let me also add that the 4" 625 is an excellent personal protection revolver. Most Excellent.

As some have already said, a good belt makes all the difference in the world. Most all holster manufacturers do make heavy leather "gun belts". A 1-1/2" leather belt provided it is properly constructed will be enough, no need to go to a 1-3/4" belt. The Beltman seems to be a favorite of many for leather belts.

Gun Belts by The Belt Man

Also the Wilderness Tatical makes some very good nylon belts. Their 5 stitch Instructor belt seems to be the standard that everyone else copies. I've also got 3 of their 5 stitch Frequent Flyer belts that I carry with on a regular basis. I haven't tried carrying on of my N-frames on one though. I've only used them for IWB carry of commander sized autos.

Wilderness Tactical Products, LLC | Home of the Titanium Instructor Belt

It sounds like you've already got a good holster for your SP101, you just need a belt to properly carry it. It does take a while to get comfotable carrying. At first it seems like all eyes are on you. Over time, you'll get more comfortable with it.

Whatever size belt you get, 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" make suer that your holster's clip, straps, or slots fit that size belt. A loose fit is not good.

Fannypac...........

The best way I have found to carry an N frame S&W is with a Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special holster.

Just buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist.

Works for N frame S&W's or 1911's...

I have carried one or the other EVERY SINGLE DAY for over 35 years...

With the exception of a bear hunt in Canada, or hunts in Zimbabwe where I carried a FA in 475.

PS, I have carried a 4" N frame 44 Mag in South Africa and Zimbabwe...
and Daily, every day for many years in the USA...

The Summer Special is the best, most comfortable way I have found...

Well, I've bought the 2" larger waist jeans, and am waiting for the UPS driver to deliver a 1-1/2" holster belt tomorrow. The only thing lacking would be the holster. NE450No2, I'm gonna try to get more info about the Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB.

Money's a little tight right now, and I might have to wait to order one of them, but it sounds really comfortable from your experience with it.

Thanks again to all of you for your advice and ideas.

I haven't tried a Summer Special, but having the straps right over the cylinder might make the gun harder to hide than it is with the Versa-Max II with it's offset straps. An N frame is about as big a gun as I would think possible to hide year round for most people. Adding more girth than a VM-II would likely make it undoable. I would be interested in hearing opinions regarding how the SS conceals compared to the VM-II from those in the know.

Thought I might throw in my 2 pesos. I chose a CABO holster for the times I carry an N frame. It is strong side IWB and holds the cylinder up just over the belt so things don't bulge out to the side so much. This holster will work with 3 to 5 inch barrels, so your 4" will be fine.

Cabo Holsters Home

__________________
Rick

I have a Kramer IWB for a 4 inch N frame listed for
Sale. It's about new, as I carry mine in a sourdough pancake holster by preference. Asking $70 shipped to you ( 50 bucks off new)
J